Every year the US sees millions of migrant workers cross state borders in pursuit of work, leaving behind precious medical records each time they move, thus making it hard for doctors treating them to track their medical history.
It was this situation that motivated a US farmworker group to launch a free pilot program connecting migrant workers to their records online.
Called MiVIA, which means my way in Spanish, the program is the result of a partnership between the Vineyard Workers Services and Medical Management Resources.
The program issues immigrant workers with a laminated identification card with their picture, address and emergency contact information printed on the surface. Patients have a secret password that allows doctors to access their medical history and lets them add important medical information such as prescribed medication and X-rays.
Program developers say MiVIA has stimulated nationwide interest and already covers a network of over 2,000 workers. The companies are hoping more will join up as awareness of the program spreads.
